August 4, 2008
Posted: August 4th, 2008 02:21 PM ET
Nancy Pelosi and Chet Edwards held a news conference in June about funding for veterans.
Nancy Pelosi and Chet Edwards held a news conference in June about funding for veterans.

(CNN) – Rep. Chet Edwards, who got a major plug as a potential VP contender Sunday from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, shrugged off questions about a potential spot on the ticket Monday – but did not deny interest in the job, or the possibility that he might be on Barack Obama’s shortlist.

“I am deeply grateful to Speaker Pelosi for her gracious comments about me and my work in Congress in behalf of veterans and military families,” he said in a statement released by his office, adding that “Senator Obama has earned the right to manage his own vice presidential selection process, and out of respect to him, any questions about the process should be directed to the Obama campaign.”

In an interview Sunday, Pelosi said, “I didn't want to see a discussion of candidates for vice president without showing the House of Representatives… I just wanted people to be aware of the extraordinary credentials of Chet Edwards. And I hope he will be the nominee.”

Pelosi told ABC’s "This Week" that “for years, our colleagues have said to him, why don't you run for president? He is an extraordinarily talented person. He is a champion for veterans in the Congress. Under his leadership, we have passed, including just on Friday, the biggest increase in funding for veterans' health benefits and other benefits in the history of our country. “

Pelosi called him “talented” and “principled.” Asked if she believed Edwards, not a household name around the country, had a chance to be picked, she said, “Well, I would certainly hope so. But, you know what? Senator Dodd, Senator Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton — there's such a great array of people from whom Senator Obama can choose. So, anyone of them, I'm fine with."

Filed under: Nancy Pelosi


Elightened   August 4th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

To the "DOPE", "HILLARY ALL THE WAY". You need to reverse that comment on "pompous" and "Idiot, unless you are making reference to yourself, and others LIKE YOU. YOU will have a "PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA", come January 2009, whether you like it or not. To scratch up "Negatives", "LIES" in reference to Senator Obama, won't make you appear any more "Intelligent" but an obvious "IDIOT". But "JEALOUS" and "ENVY" on. "HILLARY CLINTON" is an idiot, and anyone who supports her is a "DOUBLE IDIOT". Get used to an "OBAMA" PRESIDENCY. You "WILL HAVE ONE "BOUSNIK". again, whether you like it or "NOT"

jani   August 4th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

Hussion Obama list.
1- Don King V>P
2- Flavor Flav D minster
3-alsharpton finanace minster
4- J Jackson family valu mister
5-Fat cow oprah healt Minster

AKRON, OHIO OBOMA SUPPORTER   August 4th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

oboma will make the right decision for who he want to be his vp. people need to grow up and relize this is about our future. who wants american to remain tarnished as it is, we need a new president and that person is oboma

Brian   August 4th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Shut up, Nancy Pelosi. You cannot rule this country. You are single-handedly blocking the will of the American people. How long until you get voted out?

Agnes   August 4th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

How exactly will Sen. Obama approach the issues facing our great nation? Let’s face the fact that his experience – community outreach and a state senatorial voting record of "Present," does not qualify him for the office of the President of the United States of America – one in which the new President will face the effects of global warming, war, commodities shortages- everything from fresh water and oil to wheat, economic "downturn" and health issues ranging from rogue viruses to tainted food/products. Many of these issues span an international spectrum. Where exactly does Sen. Obama exhibit the experience to effectively deal with these issues? (Who do you want performing your open heart surgery, the professor or the surgeon?) It takes more than being able to talk about how something is supposed to act, (anyone who has just come out of college to start a new job can attest to that;) it takes the experience of actually doing the work. We need change and we need proven leadership – on day one. In my opinion the only person who has the qualifications to effectively handle all the issues facing our nation is Hillary Clinton. This is the reason so many of her campaign advisors are now working with Obama, because he knows Hillary was the true candidate of change. In my opinion the only person who has the qualifications to effectively handle all the issues facing our nation is Hillary Clinton. Barack as Chief Executive?… never. This 30 year democrat will write in Hillary for president and not Obama, no matter who his running mate. I found him lacking and still do.

How can an informed decision be made? Sen Obama simply is not experienced and has many unresolved questions about his past. Local community outreach and state senatorial voting record of present are not enough to say he is experienced. And, as the chairman of the Subcommittee on European Affairs with jurisdiction over NATO’s operations, he hasn’t called a meeting in the two years as it’s chair.
“From CNN: But Biden, conveniently the Chairman of the full Senate Foreign Relations Committee, hit back at DeMint Thursday, writing in a letter to him that NATO's mission in Afghanistan has been dealt with at the full committee level. "Under my chairmanship the Foreign Relations Committee has addressed most Afghanistan issues at the Full Committee level," Biden wrote. "I believe that this is the best way of ensuring the most comprehensive examination of the complex issues involved, and of ensuring the highest-level Administration participation."”
Little to no experience here. Even Biden seems to doubt Sen Obama’s executive abilities.
Nobama!

PUMA 4 HILL   August 4th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Pelosi and the other thugs need to keep drinking their vodka and tonics and keep shaking like she does coming off years of hard drinking and bad mouthing people.

Pelosi was just jealous of Hillary... but Hill and her PUMA supporters will have the last laugh.

Ken   August 4th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

The ONLY person that should be on the ticket is Hillary Clinton, otherwise Obama will never win against McCain in November. I am one of those that if Clinton is not on the ticket, will vote for McCain.

I want to see a vote at the convention, because I believe that there are enough delegates that will change from Obama to Clinton, and Hillary Clinton would become the nominee instead of Obama.

Either or is the only way that Obama has any chance of winning against McCain!

Clinton/Obama 2008

Jenna   August 4th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Anything recommended by Pelosi is suspect to me, her lights are on but no one seems to be home. It's obvious that she favored Senator Obama from the begining, her jealousy of Hillary was completly apparent.

McCain 08

Silence Dogood   August 4th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Pelosi was the mouthpiece of the sexist Hillary haters. As a woman she should be ashamed. All she had to do was be a referee – keep it fair. Even that NBA ref got fined for cheating. what's Pelosi's fine?

Voter   August 4th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

And you thought Hillary Clinton was power hungry!!!!!!!

TN FOR OBAMA   August 4th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

McSame's running mate = FATHER TIME
listen carefully, you can hear Father Time calling "McSame, come to me!"

Moe, NY   August 4th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

I believe the vast majority of Democrats want Hillary as VP. We know you threw her under the bus and we will not forget. If Obama is as smart as I think he is, he will pick Hillary for VP. I think Americans have had just about enough of Cowboys from Texas...thank you very much! Just focus on your job Pelosi and stop interferring in the upcoming elections.

BV   August 4th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Take time to pick a good one Senator Obama. I'm betting on you all the way.
The thought of Senator McCain representing this country as President sends me into a serious panic. I don't think that we could make a worse choice. I don't care how Republican you are this is not the man for the job. I had to come to see it and I hope that many more of you will before it's too late.
Let Senator McCain and his $520 shoes grandstand for something else. Don't put this country at risk by voting McCain into the presidency.
If he was the right man Republicans would be excited about this election and every poll taken says that you're not.
Please do the right thing. We want to be able to hold our heads up high and be proud. THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN WITH McCAIN. HE WILL BE WORSE THAN BUSH WITH OUT A DOUBT. HE IS NOT PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL. NOT NOW, NOT EVER.

David   August 4th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Pelosi.....that's a joke, right?

Chris In California   August 4th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Who cares what Pelosi thinks or says anymore? I was so excited when she became Speaker, but she has done NOTHING she promised that I can see. And, she helped Barack Obama cheat in this election, in my opinion. I think she should do the right thing and step down. She and Dean and others have wreaked total havoc on our Party! We will never recover as a whole. We have total Party disunity and the leaders in the Party are responsible for that as is Barack Obama, himself, for having failed to do what was right for the Party and adhering to a self-serving arrogance in the face of 18 million Hillary Clinton supporters. He could have brought the Party together, but he has chosen not to, in my opinion.

Indiana Bob   August 4th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Obama should have Rezko as his VP. After all, Rezko paid for Omama's senate seat. Then some of his political favors to Rezko would be paid.

Sen. Ted Stevens is being prosecuted for receiving gifts. Why isn't Obama being prosecuted for his underhanded real estate deal with Rezko (purchased estate for $300,000 below market value) and for Rezko personally paying for a $17,000 fence around the Obama mansion? Why is Obama above the law and political scrutiny? Oh, I forgot. If you prosecute Obama or report the truth, you will be labeled as a racist.

PUMA - Vote McCain

Jesse - San Antonio TX   August 4th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Forget about the VP Choice, it's time to re-evaluate the presidential choice.

Xango   August 4th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

please please universe lord, buddha, christ, and all the god images in this universe
ANYONE ANYONE BU TTHE CLINTON MAFIA

Peter   August 4th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Thank goodness, Congressmen/Congresswomen cannot be VP or the president, not enough experience

Obama the new Prez   August 4th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

When are you pathetic Hillary supporters going to get in your thick skulls that if Obama looses in '08, you can bet your sweet little undies that we'll be waiting for her arse in 2012 and we'll make sure that she doesn't get the nomination. The rethugs are using all of her twisted, gutless attacks against Obama, as we speak.

Obama will not tarnish his good names with at filthy person who has hatefull, crazy supporters. No more Bushies, Cheynies or Clintonites. A change is comming to Washington! Bow down to the new African America President!!!! Bow down, peasants, bow down!!

NoMcSame(MrBurns)   August 4th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Better than what McSame will choose from. Mitt. Obama is working while McGrumpy plays games. Soon it will be checkers with the rest of the old folks.
Mitt my friend Obama doesn't think that he is the Messiah but your leader Joseph Smith did. He was a true racist and you live by his every word. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. You my friend are a follower of the dark side. Joseph Smith was the dishonest one if you ask me and those that follow him and his teachings are going to be cast into the FIRE. That is what the Holy Bible says. The only way to God is through the Son and Joseph Smith is not him and has never seen him or met him.
So be careful when you call another the Messiah.

Lisa in TX   August 4th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Chet Edwards is actually a nice, safe choice. Has been my Congressman here in central Texas for years and my Mom worked on his campaign for a number of years. I'd vote for him before I'd vote for Obama. :-)

Gramma Faye /Idaho   August 4th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Look at that pic. She is almost drooling all over him. Now that is sick.

Obama Supporter from Texas   August 4th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I like Hillary but my hope of her being on the ticket vanished when Bill just stands on the sidelines moping.

Obama '08

Non-believer   August 4th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Now Pelosi is something the American people can do without. One of the most worthless House Speakers in modern history.

peakarach,des moines,IA   August 4th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

PEOPLE,BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA DID VOTE FOR BUSH AND CHENEY ENGERGY BILL BACK IN 2005. MCCAIN AND HILLARY DID NOT.

=====================
MCCAIN 08!
HILLARY 12!

Mike, TX   August 4th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

An endorsement from Pelosi is about as influential as an endorsement from Hugo Chavez.

Dj   August 4th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Is this guy any kin to former Gov. Edwin Edwards?

KE   August 4th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

We cannot talk about Obama’s problem (as we see it) without talking about the Democratic Party.

J. Weidenbach, American in Germany   August 4th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Chet Edwards is a good choice.

Please stop picking on the House Speaker, she doesn't deserve it, please consider the U. S. President she's got to work with almost every day.

jc   August 4th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

I think Nancy Pelosi just does not want Hillary to be President or Vice
President. That is all she cares. See what she did in congress, almost
nothing.

jimmy velman   August 4th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

If Chet edwards wants to be re-elected to Congress, the last person he needs would be Nancy Pelosi.

Steve From Dallas   August 4th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

From someone who knows Chet Edwards.. he would be GREAT.

But i seriously dont think the country is ready for another Texan after what Bush did to everyone.

And beside, i hope he would wait for Hillary 2012, when we try and take the Whitehouse back...

NO OBAMA 08

peakarach,des moines,IA   August 4th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA A CANDIDATE OF CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN FOR ONLY 30 SECOND ON VERY ISSUES.
=========================================
MCCAIN 08!
HILLARY 12!

Griff   August 4th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Nobody wan't the job... They have to live in Politics, long after Obama is gone...

PELOSI SUCKS   August 4th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Anybody but Hillary, right Pelosi?

Heaven forbid you are not the top female

Pelosi is a disgrace to females everywhere

Hillary 2012 <3

Hillary all the way   August 4th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Obama can't win without Hillary Clinton...he's either too pompous or too stupid to realize it.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

You can slander John McCain, Say's Dozy-Pelosi but leave Obama alone???

Linda iowa   August 4th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Nancy Pelosi, worries more about her power and the want of more which she sees as having better chances of getting by backing Obama. She is one of the power brokers that is responsible for us having such a weak candidate. Pushing the super delegates to come out to support before the convention was a mistake. Beware what you ask for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fella from Chicago   August 4th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Look how Nancy looks at this guy. Forget politics, it's personal. Go get him, honey. May as well since you're not doing anything as Speaker.

Anne E.   August 4th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

With all due respect to Rep. Edwards - I cannot listen to, much less support - someone who, on her "day one," says that impeachment of GW Bush is off the table. Go away, Nancy - you're such a disappointment.

Anonymous   August 4th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Nobody wan't the job.. They can't afford to be Tarnished, after Obama's Loss in November..

Barack the Tele-promp-ter Messiah.   August 4th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Yikes! If Nancy likes this guy enough to endorse him, my first reaction would be to... RUN! RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! (and don't forget to hold on to your wallet the whole way)

v.a.   August 4th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

chet edwards is one of only a few sane politicians from texas! i'm surrounded by nuts down here!

peakarach,des moines,IA   August 4th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA TOP 10 LIST OF RUNNING MATES.

1. OSAMA.
2. MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD.
3. KIM JUNG-IL.
4. FIDEL CASTRO.
5. REV. WRIGHT.
6. LOUISE FARRAKHAN.
7. TONY REZKO.
8. BILL AYER.
9. PFLEGER.
10. JESSE JACKSON.

Montana is Obama Country   August 4th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

McDrill has MISSED 150 votes in congress and doesn't wear a flag pin but only mocks patriotism...!!

Obama 2008, 2012,,, Yes WE Can...!!

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA   August 4th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I for one hope it is Biden or Clinton. I've never heard of Chet Edwards. I'll trust Senator Obama on his pick, and vote for him no matter who he picks.

Obama/Biden, 08

DrillNow   August 4th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

You'd better scurry back to Cali, Nancy; I hear that the INS is planning a "visit" to the ol' family grape orchard (not that they'll find anything, of course....)

irish   August 4th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Maybe he should take your job Nancy. Because we all know that you are the most useless House speaker in history. Hey Congress!!!

Get back to work. Start earning the $165, 000 dollars a year that the
American tax payers pay you for.

And I Don't mean going into session and congradulating A football team or naming a post office for 10 minutes and then your done for the week.

Jeff   August 4th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Pelosi is the worst Speaker in modern history. Under her leadership the House has accomplished very little. Pelosi needs to pay more attention to her job and less attention to electoral politics.

"Pot had helped, and booze; maybe a little blow when you could afford it." Obama 95   August 4th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Pelosi likes him... she's such a go getter

Fred   August 4th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

There are alot of people who could be VP. But who truly wants it.

Lisa   August 4th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I use to like Nancy Pelosi, but now, not so sure.

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